Out on the tiles

Deadly danger: Employers' liability insurance association warns of solar boom risks

A total of 74 workers died on German construction sites in 2025. Of these, 26 died as a result of a crash. 15 of these fatal accidents occurred on roofs. The employers' liability insurance association therefore warns of additional dangers due to the boom in photovoltaic systems. This is because more and more fitters, electricians and maintenance workers are working on hard-to-reach roof surfaces. Missing fuses, brittle components and unsuitable access can have fatal consequences there...

Photovoltaic systems take more workers to dangerous heights

Roofs have long since ceased to protect buildings from wind and precipitation. They now also serve as locations for photovoltaic systems and other technical facilities. As a result, assembly, maintenance, repair and cleaning work increases significantly. However, many solar panels are located in areas that are difficult for workers to reach.


When we had a new roof last year, the roofer told us we should contact him before installing solar panels as he'd come across a number of dodgy solar installations. Cowboy installers drilling through roof tiles for example, or not replacing tiles correctly.

Not that we intend to have solar panels on our nice new roof.